Registered & Licensed Electrical Contractor

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. What is the most common type of jobs I do.. It depends on which area you look into. I am under contract to do Industrial and commericial work. I also have maintance contracts that range from a hotel to a very large office building. I also do advertise on Craig's List. I mainly do Residential electrical from there. I can get a single light to installation of a 400A electrical "service" upgrade. I don't charge much for the residential work. I almost give away the labor. I do charge for my time. I don't charge for travel, nor do I charge alot by the hour.
I also mark on my calender at my office-- I call them "FREE DAYZ" ( yes I know I used a "z" there). My "free dayz" are days I pick a month ahead of time and if anyone calls for work on that day-- I will give them 100% free labor. the days always change, and there is 5 a month. Its funny I had a 200A service call on just one of those days. it was $2,000 in material( receipt given to the customer) and the labor I paid out was $1,200(( That was what I had to pay my guys)). Only one gave me back the pay I gave him since he knew it was a "free Dayz" day. (( I gave it back to him with the xmas bonus at Xmas party a week b4 xmas.
As for the "most common" its all over the board. I just love doing electrical work.. It is one of my passions in my life. Thank You for your time.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. The Advice I would offer to a customer looking for an electrician. I would say to "ASK QUESTIONS" ( as many as you need to ask till you feel satisfied to make a good decision.
I would also be informed, try to get educated (even a tiny bit) about the work you are needing or wanting to have done. I am a honest person and I am not in this trade to get rich. Really I choose this trade to help people. I always try to educated all my clients. Sometimes they want to chat so I have a chance to teach them a couple of things. I also ask questions to see if they are doing things like checking their smoke detectors once a month, changing the battery at least 2 times a year. ****** TODAY CHECK SMOKE DETECTORS( even if it is "hardwired").. They do save lives. If you do not have a CO2 detector!!! The "smoke" detectors don't detect a clear, orderless silent killer such as CO2. THEN BUY ONE ASAP.. *** Electrical supply houses have them for roughly $32 and $45 for a smoke/co2 combo( $10 cheaper than Home Depot). ** that is for Hardwire battery back-up model. Thank You for your time.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. Trade secrets huh?? Well lets start with the basic info; Electricity can kill you( only takes 1/2 of 1 Amp). This doesn't mean you should be afraid to turn your lights on. It means that if you decide to take on a "DIY" project. Maybe leave the electrical to a licensed Professional.. If you must take it on yourself, then get some info on how to do it. I will say this make sure the circuit is off at the panel.. Again I would say call a licensed Electrical contractor to do the work.
Not all contractors are there to take all your money( even though lots seem to do that). I was a clients home last nite( emergency call). He asked me after a couple of hours of working in his very nice home; " How much to do a certain task". I answered by explaining the labor and related material required to complete the tasks. I have a habit of telling a client how much certain material is( such as a stix of conduit), I usually say the closest price that everyone pays at a supply house or Home Depot.. If I was like other contractors, I would just keep my mouth quiet and wouldn't try to inform them.
The last thing to inform a client--- Basically RESPECT ELECTRICITY!!!!!!!!!! Its something that is a great benefit to our daily lives in everyway. So think twice before opening an eelctrical box or home Load center( thats your panel with the breakers).. Just think Licensed Electricians Have to go to school for 4 ( now 5 years) to do that safely, Then Pick the phone up and call a licensed electrical contractor * doesn't have to be me you call-- just a licensed professional.. Thank You for your time..

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. As an electrician, sometimes people think we are Magicians. The reason why I say that is because sometimes a client is expecting a miracle and it may not be possiable. I am pretty good at troubleshooting. After years in the Electrical trade, I have seen so many different types of electrical issues and I am much faster now then when I was an apprientice. I have also ran across work that a "handyman" did and its not legal or sometimes easily fixed. For instance: I went to home and someone "buried" a box in the wall(code violation). This made much harder to fix the problem. I did make the repairs the client needed and remedied that buried box issue. Please keep in mind sometimes a project can take a bit longer to do then first inticipated. Thank You for your time.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. My work stands out because of my attention to detail. I am fair and honest. I also take serious pride in a job well done. I am always punctial and tidy. I always ensure that only licensed electricians work for me or its me myself doing the work. I like to help people and by ensuring their home or business is wired corrctly and up to City of Chicago and the NEC codes. I listen to what the client wants and I never try to Upsell services they don't need or want.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I like being in a trade that most people can't do. i hate to break my arm patting myself on my back-- but I am a very good electrical contractor. I love every aspect of electrical. To look at my finished preoduct and to know I provided honest , good work that is not only safe but functional.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. The questions I get the most are of safety. Most people have no idea how bad their electrical really is. I also get asked about why I adjust my billing. I normally say to "help People".. so many people really need a true professional to repair, install, etc their electrical and sometimes people don't have the funds to pay what a contractor of my caliber can charge. I am not looking to get rich. The Good Lord has blessed me with the knowledge to do Electrical and The ability to help people without taking all their money. I also get asked if they can call me again or if they can refer my name and number out. I always say yes.

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. A favorite story from work?? Hmm there is so many. Here is one-- my favorite, not sure. We were pulling heavy wire( 500MCM. This is heavy thick wire( the diameter of a quarter). There was 2 guys pulling and one had to go. I went to the pulling side to help pull. As we were pulling the other guy had to use the washroom. I kept pulling the wire by myself . When we were all done I was tired. I didn't realize thet the GC was watching. he was very impressed and since then I have been awarded a couple of contracts. I guess he liked how the boss is willing to get in there and do the hard work too. Since then I purchased an automatic puller((( very good investment)).. This is just one a couple "favorite" stories.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. Basically I would like people or customers would realize that there is WARNING SIGNS to an ELECTRICAL FIRE that is emminant!! "crackling noise", burning smell, slow ( delayed action from a switch being turned on), Any house with 'cloth' covered wires.
Also electricity is nothing to play with, If your a "DIY", type person-- maybe leave the electrical work to trained, licensed professionals. This is the most important-- ASK QUESTIONS, really ask plenty of questions. Get informed about the electrical in your home or office.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. Being an electrician and now an Electrical Contractor is something I have always wanted to do. I have a chance to provide power to people everywhere. I also know that not everyone can do what I do. its also pretty cool to see an entire project go from a print to a working and producing system of controls and electricity( such as a new conveyorsystem at Coke Cola or Fed Ex.

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. I was in charge of the complete installation of a MCC( Motor Control Center)* this basically takes electricity and sends all over the plant along with thousands and thousands of control wires. The Mcc runs every single thing that moves or has a reaction to other tasks in that system. The project of this size is maybe a $750,000.00 job. if there is even one mistake-- it may not work properly or even at all.. To clear something, some plants have 50-100 seperate "E-rooms" ( Elctrical Rooms). That means there would be 1000's of MCC circuits..
Its funny since I can see the behind the scenes work to make someting like a conyeror to run properly. The operator whom works on a conveyor just want to see the belt run when they push the button. Its refreshing to install, wire, and energize-- then to turn it on and think "job well done".. Thank You for your time.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. Every year I take a "refresher" course. I also take courses at ITT for Electronics. I am tring to broaden my scope in my trade. I also do lots of reading to keep abreast of new equipment, material and systems.

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. Latest developments; Well the arival of smart homes. This a home where it can be ran from a smart phone. You can control anything in your home from anywhere in the home or while your on vacation. The need to learn about control work is a must. There is also solar and other enegry sources being utilized. So if you don't understand how to install and maintain a solar electrical system, then you will be passed by. There is also electric cars. There is specific knowledge that is required to be able to supply the battery of that new $30,000 car with the proper voltage, and to make it safe so even an 8 year can plug in the high voltage plug to the recepticle in the car.

I take classes to stay refreshed in my craft. I really love being an electrician. If it wasn't for people like me, "electricity is very important to sustain life, a work environment or a home couldn't be possiable. just think when NYC had a 5 day black out. Their was no lites, no ac, no water, no cooking( for electric stoves), no elevators, etc. get my point. Its an electrician that brings safe useable power to the companies that run the cell phone towers we all need so badly. I just love being able to help people, and by providing the skills and knowledge to do this makes me feel good inside.

Q. Describe your most recent project, what it involved, how much it cost, and how long it took.

A. My most recent project stemmed from an emergency call. It was an appartment building with a tenant with no power to a couple of outlets and lites. After troubleshooting the problem. I offered a couple of solutions. It ended up that they needed a sub-panel ( since their panel was full). After I pulled the permit, I started the work. I was able to find future electrical issues and fix them before they became an issue. I also found out that a neighbor had electrical isssues of their own. It turned out that the neighbor hired a "handyman". That handyman didn't know what he or she was doing and connected her circuit to a neighbors' circuit( stealing power). I was able to fix the client's electrical issues for $850( material, and labor) It took me a total of 12 hours to do this sub panel and run new homeruns from an upper floor to a part of the basement on the opposite side of basement. To give you an ex of the size of this client's appartment; it is 2600 sq ft. Yes 2600 sq ft. As for the woman, She lives in a "maintance apt" She is an elderly woman with no real income. So I didn't charge her for anything. The material was not too bad, but I spent close to 6 hours ( different day) to fix all the issues she had. I was paid by the woman-- her fellowship and the awesome conversation we had about the bible and verses. Also she made a great dinner for me. It was very good.. I am glad I could help out those two people who didn't even know each other.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. My pricing isn't " complicated". I do vary the pricing to help people sometimes. It seems the most type of billing system I use is "T &M". I charge by the hour and offer "RECEIPT" Service. This means I turn the receipts over to the client. ****** I do not do this for large industrial contracts. The reason for this is; the material is already super exspencive, and alot of the time its heavy and ( Takes labor hours to move this material around a plant).
I do lots of residential work and this is where I can give breaks. So if you see on my page where I charge up to $150/hour--->>> thats Labor and Material for large insdustial plants or $85-90 an hour plus material.
I also use the by the "opening" billing. The "opening" is an outlet, switch, a light etc. I normally charge $85-100( this is for new construction and this is labor and material. Service calls vary on a case by case basis. For "service" upgrades: 100A=$1,100-1,300.. 200A=$3,100-3,500.. 400A=$12,000-14,000.. Please keep in mind these are rough numbers( they can go up or down. The material for a 100A service ususally runs $800-850( no mark-up), 200A material runs close to $2000 and double the work, 400A service material runs close to $8000 and it requires multiple men and time.
Those material prices are exactly what I would have to pay a supply house or Home Depot. With a 200A and 400A "service upgrades", it normally can't be done by just 1 person( at least not in one day). I hope this sheds some light on my pricing system. I won't include information for contract work, for info on "contract" work, please contact me to set up a meeting.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. Get into a good electrical course at an accredited trade school( 5 years). get a position as an appreintice with a good company. Then this is most important-- listen and watch what the licensed people are doing. you are always going to be learning, even after 10 years with a license.

Q. Write your own question and answer it.

A. The question: Why is it that a customer tries their best to find the greatest deal?

I do understand that all people want to save money. the thing most people don't realize-- all those "great deals" offered by people on a site such as Craig's List- are really not a deal. they find a handyman who read a book. That person hasn't gone to school or did the state reguired classes and tests. They don't maintain their ( if any training). Then a person thinks "wow" when they get a low bid from a handyman for electrical work they want done. The customer doesn't realize if that handyman made a mistake-- then its them who suffer. there is nothing like coming home and to see your home on fire. just picture that same scene with you and your family sleeping( maybe the smoke detectors don't have good batteries in them). Now what would you had prefered-- to have a real licensed electrical contractor or that guy who showed up in a regular car( without the knowledge and skills to do the work safetly and in a timely manner.
I can't tell you how many times I have gone to a location and had to fix the work of a handyman. It ends up costing the customer twice, and to think if the customer siught out a licensed person-- they wouldn't need to pay for the same work twice. Here is a phrase for you( a customer) "not enough money to do it right, but enough money to get it done twice. " Please don't let that be you. Thank You for Your time.

Q. Write your own question and answer it.

A. What is "RECEIPT SERVICE" ?? This is something I am sure is one of the only electrical contractors do. I turn the receipts for any and all material for your project. This is strait pricing, NO MARK UP!!!! Its normal for a contractor to mark up the material 30-50% then the client pays that plus labor. With the receipt service I also offer a by the hour qoute*** if I go over my time bid-- then I take the lose.. I sometimes end up giving away material that I already have to complete your project. Those things I use that I don't buy did cost money. I just like to help people and sometimes the Good Lord puts people in your life to help you. This is one of the ways I can help a complete stranger out. Thank You for your time..

Q. Write your own question and answer it.

A. Some times a client wants to see a resume; Well here is my resume. Thank You for your time to glance at it.

Dennis J. Seeley

Objective: Seeking an electrician position in an organization where
Bringing a job in safely and profitably are important as well as being represented professionally.

Summary of Qualifications: Highly motivated, creative, and
Versatile Master Electrician with over 12 years of experience in all aspects of electrical. I also hold 6 “E-1” ( Master Electrician) Licenses I am Exceptional at problem solving and managing my time as well as company resources. I have many professional relationships with city inspectors and the ability to cultivate new and productive
relationships. I am always focused on bringing jobs in on time to maximize profit
while limiting liability by being safety conscious and planning ahead.

Experience:
Electrician and Owner 2008-present
OSD Electric Company; Chicago, IL 773.431.9969
The scope of being a contractor ranges from small electrical projects to full electrical commercial and Industrial projects. I currently work along with another electrical company. My responsibilities include but not limited to Full electrical work, pulling permits, estimating new work. I also run my own office, along with their admin tasks :I take care of all bids, estimates, proposals, contracts, invoices and other electrical related tasks. I meet with inspectors, contractors and customers for projects. Some of the projects I have completed as an electrical contractor; 3 dialysis center retrofits of electrical and data, many rehabs, full electrical services for a professional drag racing team and a bunch of commercial “tenant build-outs”. I have also completed over 200 Electrical “service” upgrades; some up to 400A.

Electrician Forman 12/2001-2007
Safe T First; Chicago, IL 708. 381. 9390
My Responsibilities include but not limited to: Supervision and training of employees, safe keeping, of material, Electrical work, Logistics, maintaining a safe and organized worksite(s), planning and coordinating with other trades, customer relations on all levels and to provide high quality Electrical work. Safety is always Zenith in all aspects of my day. Some of the projects I’ve been involved with ; North Western Hospital, Corn Products, Rhodia, Futuremark Paper, Aurillo’s Pizza, Stub Hub, Wing Stop, Alliance Home Health Care and Countless rehabs. My experience ranges from but not limited to: PLC’s, UPS,AC/DC, motors, transformers of every size, pneumatic controls, MCC’s, Live electrical work with voltages exceeding 12,000V and Live Amps over 3000, switchgears, etc. I have also seen almost every type of conveyor, switchgear, VFD and PLC Cabinet. I have also mastered “smart benders”, “Chicago Benders”. I have extensive experience with RMC ( all sizes), along with threaders, “pony’s”, O-Cal conduit.



Marine Corps 10/1989-10/2001
Cco 1st Tank Bn, MCAGCC,MCB 29 Palms, Ca. In The Marines They instill Leadership traits such as discipline, punctuality, integrity, decisiveness and physical fitness. These traits have been my cornerstone of my character since my discharge. The Marines also have taught me how to adapt, overcome and succeed. The Marines also have instilled a sense of teamwork that can only be learned and lived in my everyday life. My rank when I was honorably discharged was E-6 Staff Sgt. My Mos was M1A1 combat tank crewman and tank commander. After 12 years in the world’s Toughest and most Elite Military Service; I have had a chance to learn, work, train and maintain a $3,000,000 piece of high tech combat equipment. The attention to detail required to be a M1A1 combat Tank Crewman is pinnacle in the safety of your crew and your unit. The requirements to be a “M1 Tanker” is a 24 hour a day job. I have brought this same level of professionalism to my civilian life.





Education

Penn Foster
2008-2012
Electronic technician
Currently attending ( est. Graduation 06. 10. 12)
Current Gpa 3.0



Penn Foster
2001- 2005
Electrician Schooling
Graduated with 3.5 Gpa

Chapmen University MCAGCC MCB 29 Palms
1992-1994
Criminal Justice
Graduated with A.A. Degree

Marine Corps Schooling
During 12 years of service
Too many to list but the college credits are equal to 56.

Misc Training and Schooling
Confined space certified
OSHA 10
OSHA30
OSHA certified “competent person” staging and scaffolding.
Many hours of safety classes over the course of the last 9 years.


Interests
I make SAFETY pinnicle in every task I do. I have been a Safety officer or safety Field officer along with my duties when I was employed at Safe-T-First Electrical Co.. I like to take an active roll in any project that I am assigned to so my Superiors can depend on me for my decisive mentality.

References are available on request.